Growing public awareness of environmental matters combined with high demand for new housing, particularly on brown field sites, means that there is increasing pressure to include trees in built developments. This often means trying to retain the existing mature ones, which can be very vulnerable to damage, either during construction or afterwards if houses are built too close to them.   Click for larger image       Click for larger images   Retaining unsuitable trees within developments can also cause major long term problems. Most problems can be avoided if suitable arboricultural advice is taken at an early stage. Simon specialises in this work, from the initial site survey right through to post completion inspections, including help with applications and appeals if necessary. He is frequently instructed by developers or their professional advisers, including architects and planning consultants, but also often works for local planning authorities. He is on the BSI committee that reviewed and updated the relevant British Standard, to produce the current version, BS5837 2012, Trees in relation to Design, Demolition and Construction